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An Impeccable Spy
Richard Sorge, Stalin’s Master Agent
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Description
SHORTLISTED FOR THE PUSHKIN HOUSE PRIZE
'The most formidable spy in history' IAN FLEMING
'His work was impeccable' KIM PHILBY
'The spy to end spies' JOHN LE CARRÉ
Born of a German father and a Russian mother, Richard Sorge moved in a world of shifting alliances and infinite possibility. In the years leading up to and during the Second World War, he became a fanatical communist – and the Soviet Union’s most formidable spy.
Combining charm with ruthless manipulation, he infiltrated and influenced the highest echelons of German, Chinese, and Japanese society. His intelligence proved pivotal to the Soviet counter-offensive in the Battle of Moscow, which in turn determined the outcome of the war itself.
Drawing on a wealth of declassified Soviet archives, this is a major biography of one of the greatest spies who ever lived.
An Impeccable Spy by Owen Matthews provides an unparalleled insight into the life and exploits of Richard Sorge, known for his unmatched espionage skills and his critical role in changing the course of history.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
An Impeccable Spy by Owen Matthews is widely praised for its vivid and expertly crafted biography of Richard Sorge, a master spy. Reviewers highlight Matthews' talent for storytelling, comparing the narrative to thrilling works by Eric Ambler and John le Carré. The book is noted for its detailed research, engaging prose, and its ability to bring the complex political landscapes of Sorge's time to life, establishing it as a potentially definitive biography in English.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781408857816
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 March 2020
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 30.0mm
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 204.0mm
Weight: 371g
Pages: 464
About the Author
Owen Matthews studied Modern History at Oxford University before beginning his career as a journalist in Bosnia. He has written for the Moscow Times, The Times, the Spectator and the Independent. In 1997, he became a correspondent at Newsweek magazine in Moscow where he covered the second Chechen war, Afghanistan, Iraq and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. His first book on Russian history, Stalin's Children, was translated into twenty-eight languages and shortlisted for The Guardian First Books Award and France’s Prix Médicis.
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